Ok i got an sm420 2wd 10spline input for free! So thats a pro, but as far as the real pros and cons what are they?? I did search sm420...and got some good info on Personal Experiences with stuff going wrong b/c of owner installation....which is what im not looking for.

My plans are: Chevy 350, SM420, NP205 and possible a doubler...but would rather wait and see if anyone makes a lower gearset for the 205, 14 bolt and 60 Hydro, haven't decided on tires but 38's-42's....this will all be in a 77' Scout II.

Now, i got some info on third gear not staying in....well right now she's a DD on 35's and 3/4 ton axles...but when she's gets done with my new swap...i *hope* to have another ride, and then the scout will get trailered. So third gear not staying in really doesn't affect me. What i want to know is,

what are some things to look out for on covnerting this to 4wd??
Adapters??
Also, since i got it for free...is it worth a rebuild if it's only going to be realy in 1st gear?? Bearings are good, BUT there was water in the bottom of the case.

Is this going to be too much of a waste of cash converting it to 4wd and should i just find a 4wd sm420?? And as far as comparison between the 465 and 420...i want some preferences from yall'. I like to go w/ the 420 b/c of it's shortness and 7.05 first gear...what are yalls preferences and which do you like better?

you can flame, but i did search and found good info...BUT not the info i was looking for.

thanks

adapters are big bank
the rest of your driveline choices would be bone stock 465 parts
save your cash and 465 the thing
leave the oddball stuff for jeepers

There were no 4wd SM420's. That was still the era when the factories sent them out to be converted by an outside source. Any 420 in a 4wd I have seen has been a divorced case. Haven't looked into adaptors for the 420, but if you are going to go doubler, and if you have the wheelbase to support it, you could also look for the divorced version of the NP203 and mate that to the 205. I'm sure you probably can find an adapter for most applications, I just not sure which ones.

The length difference between the 420 and the 465 is not that much, and you have to ask yourself is the difference between 6.5x and 7.05 going to be noticeable for the amount of adapting involved.

Good luck. Let us know which way you end up going.

Wheel i have the wheel base for it...ive got about 9 inches to the ends of the frame rails...then i can run offset leaves. So thats 9+inches in the rear then, i haven't really figured out how much in the front.

Anymore preferences??

I'm doing this swap into my 62scout right now..

The stuff going in is a (1956) GM-SM420/Dana20 combo with the Novak cast Al adapter.

The 420 is really wide, nearest to the front transfer-case output yolk. The standard 1310 yolk fits with 1/4 inch to spare, if I want to use the CV yolk, I'll have to shave some of the transmission case down. It's really tight.

I heard that the 465 may be a better fit. The gears are not all that much lower anyhow. But your price was right! :D

Cheers.
;)